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Key takeaways
What is a home brewing kit, really?
A home brewing kit is a set of equipment and ingredients that lets you brew beer at home. Depending on the kit, this may include a fermenter, brewing vessel, ingredients, sanitiser and other tools needed to take beer from brewing to pouring.
Traditional home brewing often involves several hands-on steps, such as boiling wort, sanitising equipment, transferring beer between vessels and bottling before it's ready to drink. Modern systems simplify much of that process, making home brewing far more approachable.
With Pinter's all-in-one system, all you need is the Pinter machine and a Pinter Pack, giving you a simpler way to brew fresh beer at home.
The three types of home brewing kit - And which one is actually worth it
1. Malt extract kits
The most common starting point for home brewers. You ferment pre-made malt extract instead of brewing from grain, making the process simpler than all-grain brewing. Results can vary depending on ingredients, fermentation, and bottling.
2. All-grain kits
This is traditional brewing from scratch using crushed grain, hops, yeast, and water. You get maximum control over flavour and recipe design, but it takes more time, more equipment, and a steeper learning curve.
3. Modern countertop brewing systems
Designed for convenience, these all-in-one systems remove much of the complexity from brewing at home. With the Pinter, you simply add a Pinter Pack and water, then let the machine handle the brewing process, no specialist knowledge or bulky equipment required.
Traditional home brew kit vs Pinter
| Traditional kit | Pinter |
|---|---|
| Typically takes 2-4+ weeks from brewing to pouring. | Fresh beer ready in as little as a few days, depending on the beer style. |
| Separate fermenters, bottles or kegs, airlocks and other equipment are often needed. | Brew, ferment. and pour from one countertop machine. |
| Boiling, transferring, bottling and extensive cleaning may all be part of the process. | Add a Pinter Pack and water, then follow the guided brewing process. |
| Results depend heavily on technique, temperature control and experience. | Precision-engineered for consistent results at home. |
| Bottles or kegs need cleaning, storing and filling. | Pour directly from the Pinter, no bottling required. |
| Upfront equipment costs vary depending on your setup. | Eligible new customers can currently get the Pinter machine free with a qualifying Fresh Press purchase, subject to offer terms. |
How much does home brewing actually cost per pint?
The cost of running a home brewing kit depends on the type of system you choose. Traditional kits typically require ingredients, bottles or kegs, cleaning products and, in some cases, replacement equipment over time. While the cost per pint is often lower than buying craft beer at the pub, the upfront investment and ongoing supplies can add up.
The Pinter takes a different approach. Each Fresh Press makes 10 pints and typically costs £14.99-£24.99, depending on the style and ABV. That works out from under £1.50 per pint, with the beer brewing process reduced to adding a Pinter Pack and water before the machine handles the rest. Eligible new customers can also get the Pinter machine free with a qualifying first order, subject to current offer terms.
The Pinter - The all-in-one fresh draught beer system from your kitchen worktop
The Pinter is an all-in-one brewing and pouring system that lets you make fresh draught beer at home without the usual brewing equipment or bottling. Just add a Pinter Pack and water, follow the simple steps, and enjoy brewery-quality beer straight from your kitchen worktop.
How Pinter works - Is it a typical home brewing kit?
Not quite. A typical home brewing kit involves multiple pieces of equipment, several manual steps and plenty of cleaning. The Pinter is an all-in-one fresh beer system that combines brewing, conditioning, and pouring in a single countertop unit, making the process much simpler.
Here's how it works:
1. Prepare the Pinter
Purify the Pinter, then add water, your Fresh Press and the included yeast. Scan the QR code for step-by-step guidance specific to your beer.
2. Let it brew
Place the Pinter on its Brewing Dock and leave it at room temperature. During fermentation, the yeast converts sugars into alcohol and develops the beer's flavour.
3. Condition in the fridge
Once brewing is complete, move the Pinter to the fridge. This stage naturally carbonates the beer while improving flavour and clarity.
4. Pour fresh draught beer
After conditioning, your beer is ready to tap straight from the Pinter. No bottling, kegging or transferring required. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 30 days.
Six Pinter fresh beers worth starting with: Expert recommended
Fresh Beers picked for flavour, accessibility and the satisfaction of a great first brew.
Inner Circle
It's a balanced English pale ale that's approachable enough for lager drinkers but flavourful enough for craft beer fans.
Style: Pale Ale
ABV: 4.0%
Price: £14.99
Light-bodied with subtle biscuit malt, floral aromas, orange zest and gentle citrus hops, finishing with a soft, refreshing bitterness.
Stars & Stripes
A modern American Pale Ale that's brilliantly balanced and easy to enjoy. It's the kind of beer that introduces you to hoppy ales without overwhelming your palate.
Style: American Pale Ale
ABV: 4.5%
Price: £17.99
Bright citrus and orange-forward hops with a clean malt backbone, delivering a crisp, refreshing finish that's smooth enough to make you want another pint.
Public House
A proper pub-style IPA that's big on drinkability rather than bitterness. If you've always thought IPAs weren't for you, this is a great one to change your mind.
Style: IPA
ABV: 4.2%
Price: £17.99
Smooth and balanced with gentle pine, earthy hops, subtle malt sweetness and a crisp finish - an easy-drinking IPA that's full of flavour without an overpowering hop punch.
BrewDog Punk IPA Remixed
BrewDog's iconic Punk IPA, brewed fresh with Pinter. It delivers the bold hop character that made the original famous, with the added benefit of enjoying it at its freshest straight from your own kitchen.
Style: IPA
ABV: 5.8%
Price: £24.99
Bursting with tropical fruit, grapefruit and pine aromas, balanced by a light caramel malt backbone and a clean, crisp finish. Freshly brewed, the vibrant hop flavours really shine.
Iron Maiden's Trooper Remixed
A fresh take on the legendary Trooper, created in collaboration with Iron Maiden. It's a classic British ale with plenty of malt character, balanced bitterness and exceptional drinkability.
Style: British Beer
ABV: 4.7%
Price: £24.99
Rich biscuit malt, gentle toffee sweetness and subtle citrus hops come together in a smooth, well-balanced pint that's made for easy session drinking.
Space Hopper
Ready to turn the hops up a notch? Space Hopper is a bold Double IPA packed with flavour, making it a great next brew once you've mastered the basics.
Style: Double IPA
ABV: 7.0%
Price: £19.99
Expect big bursts of tropical fruit, citrus and pine, balanced by a smooth malt body and a satisfyingly bitter finish. It's a full-flavoured beer built for hop lovers and adventurous home brewers.
So, is a home brewing kit worth it?
Yes, if you want fresh draught beer at home without turning brewing into a full-time hobby. A traditional home brewing kit is rewarding, but it also takes time, equipment and plenty of patience.
That's where the Pinter comes in. As an all-in-one fresh beer system, it's a modern alternative that removes much of the complexity while keeping the fun of brewing your own beer. It's a great fit for curious drinkers, craft beer fans, value-seekers, and anyone looking for a memorable gift.
Fresh draught beer at home with Pinter
Get everything you need to start brewing fresh draught beer at home - the Pinter, your first Fresh Press, and your first pint ready to pour in just a few days!
GET YOUR PINTER TODAYHome brewing kit questions, answered
How long does a home brewing kit take?+
Do I need any brewing experience to use a home brewing kit?+
What is the best home brewing kit for beginners in the UK?+
About the author
Charlie Howsego
Community Executive
As Pinter's Community Executive, Charlie loves nothing more than helping people discover the joy of brewing at home. Through his writing, he shares practical tips, brewing insights, and a genuine passion for fresh beer.